Torres cuts short holiday, poised to move to Liverpool

MADRID, July 2 (Reuters) Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has arrived back in Madrid after cutting short a holiday in order to approve an expected 27-million-pound (54.29-million dollar) move to Liverpool, Spanish media reported today.

The future of the 23-year-old Spain international has been the subject of intense speculation since the end of the Spanish season.

The speculation reached fever pitch after Atletico signed Uruguay forward Diego Forlan from Villarreal at the weekend in a move that appears designed to cover the likely departure of their club captain.

Sports daily Marca reported on its Web site (www.marca.com) on Monday that sources close to the player had said a deal was very close to being finalised.

If the move does go through for the reported sum, it would be the highest transfer fee paid for a Spanish player. The record is held by midfielder Gaizka Mendieta who moved from Valencia to Lazio for million in 2001.

Torres, who joined Atletico as an 11-year-old, has been the club's top scorer for the last five seasons, completing his most successful campaign in 2003-04 when he struck 19 goals.

Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia, who is expected to move in the opposite direction, arrived in Madrid on Monday to undergo a medical on his injured knee prior to a likely return to his former club.

REUTERS SAM HS2225